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Equity Group Foundation and the French Embassy have made a commitment to work together in supporting sustainable business activities in the country and bridge the gap between local businesses and their counterparts in France.
Through strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives over the years, Equity Group has continuously supported Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) in their sustainability journey.
The French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Arnaud Sequet and Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi toured several businesses and projects supported by Equity, in and around Nairobi where they interacted with various business leaders and entrepreneurs on sustainable development and business growth.
Among the projects and businesses visited include E & M Technology House Ltd in Tatu City, Equity Afia Buruburu, PolyAfric Industries, Karakuta Farms, Kenagro Suppliers Ltd, Chania Feeds Manufacturers Ltd, Jubilee Feed Industries. Equity Group has a holistic approach to sustainable development through integrating financial support for MSMEs with initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
“Equity Bank’s recognition of environmental conservation, sustainability and the power of collaboration with young entrepreneurs is commendable. By embracing these values, the bank contributes to a greener future and empowers the next generation of leaders to innovate and drive positive change in local communities,” said Mr Sequet.
Dr. Mwangi and Mr.Sequet also discussed existing possibilities in linking Kenyan agribusiness entrepreneurs with their counterparts in France and forge a gateway to the European market.
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“Over the years, Equity Group has been keen on supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable business development through its various asset financing loan facilities. Merging our efforts with the French government institutions will be key to scaling our sustainability efforts and ensuring local entrepreneurs’ journey towards growth and success is seamless”, said Dr. Mwangi.
Equity has a long-standing collaboration with French enterprises and institutions.
The collaborations are aimed at driving sustainable development in the region and across the continent. The most impactful partnership has been with Proparco – a private sector financing arm of Agence Française de Dévelopement Group (AFD Group).
In 2021, Proparco granted Equity Bank two guarantee facilities totaling €39 million (5 billion KES) to aid the bank support job creating MSMEs.
It also granted a further €550,000 technical assistance facility to support Equity Group Foundation’s health projects.
Equity and the French Embassy will collaborate in exploring opportunities in pharmaceuticals manufacturing, knowledge sharing, and healthcare training.
Equity Group Foundation continues to champion the socio-economic prosperity of low-income people by offering effective economic opportunities and skill and capacity building tools to equip and prepare Africans for the future.